Statement in response to claims of delays in historical abuse settlements
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has endeavoured to provide a just and equitable response for survivors of abuse for many years and requires any survivors who wish to seek compensation from the Diocese to be legally represented to ensure their best interests are protected.
Some lawyers choose to approach the Diocese directly whilst others choose to litigate in Court. As a general rule, litigation takes longer, costs more and may place greater stress on survivors.
The Diocese regrets any further distress caused to survivors during proceedings and offers survivors independent third-party counselling services at no cost to them, whilst their claim is being resolved.
A recent press release by a law firm known for its compensation and class action cases focuses on one aspect of a court case and does not acknowledge the evidence the Diocese had from people who were involved in the Church and the parish at that time the alleged abuse occurred that raised serious questions as to what actually happened. The doubts that arose in investigating the claim were far broader than a simple question of the religion of the individual involved.
The Diocese is obliged to obtain proof, on balance of probabilities, that the alleged abuse occurred.
When the survivors’ lawyers produced credible, independent witness statements in November 2022, the Diocese had sufficient certainty that the claim should be settled, despite some unanswered questions remaining. The claim was then settled within a few weeks, at the beginning of December 2022.
Some legal firms present strong, well-prepared claims from the beginning that may allow the Diocese to resolve the claim sooner than when there is enduring uncertainty. The survivor’s lawyers may have access to witnesses that the Diocese does not.
The National Redress Scheme is available for those survivors who wish to avoid the challenges of court or pursuing a civil damages claim directly with the institution where the harm occurred.
For healing and support:
The past is with us today. The Diocese has, is and will continue to acknowledge the shameful aspects of its history where children suffered abuse and some of its leaders failed to protect them from harm. The pain and damage caused is current each day for some survivors and their families. Healing and Support (Zimmerman Service) continues to provide a highly personalised pastoral response and can be contacted during office hours Monday to Friday 02 4923 0636 or via email healing.support@mn.catholic.org.au.
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults:
If a diocesan employee, volunteer, parishioner, cleric or religious has any concerns for the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult, please ring the Office of Safeguarding during office hours Monday to Friday 02 4979 1390, via email childprotection@mn.catholic.org.au or through an online report (which can be done anonymously) https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/report-abuse/.
